Radio Tambua artwork

Radio Tambua

228 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

The Africa Centre for Apologetics Research (ACFAR) equips Christians with resources and training for discernment, the defense of the faith, and cult evangelism. The Radio Tambua podcast features radio programs and conference messages on cultic movements and apologetics in Africa. (Tambua is a Swahili word meaning “discern.”)

Christianity Religion & Spirituality Religion apologetics africa discernment cults sects religion heresy
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Episodes

Are We Sinners, Saints, or Gods?

January 30, 2024 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

Three major movements have shaped how Ugandan Christians understand themselves: 1) The East African Revival emphasized that we are sinners. 2) Today’s hyper-grace movement emphasizes that we are saints. 3) Some Word-Faith teachers confidently say we are gods. Is there truth to any of these positions?  A healthy Christian life depends on properly understanding the believer’s position before God.  Rodgers Atwebembeire explains these movements—and brings sharp clarity from Scripture.

Why Arianism Matters Now: Jehovah’s Witnesses

December 15, 2023 14:00 - 14 minutes - 9.71 MB

Many Christians are aware that the Jehovah’s Witness cult promotes heretical doctrines. But did you know that their aggressive denial of Jesus’ deity is nothing new? This teaching was first made popular in the fourth century AD by Arius of Alexandria, who claimed that “there was a time when the Son was not.” Danson Ottawa gives the biblical remedy for this deadly teaching. The article on which this message is based was first published by The Gospel Coalition Africa. For more insights on th...

Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt, Snatch Others from the Fire

December 12, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MB

In the first century there were dangerous “mockers” who caused divisions in the Body of Christ and were “worldly minded, devoid of the Spirit.” We, too, must be ready to recognize and respond to those who deny Jesus and His Gospel. Danson Ottawa of ACFAR Kenya applies Jude 17–23 to our day, giving three clear exhortations on how to respond to the challenge of false teaching and deal compassionately with those who are harmed by it.

JESUS: Radiance of God’s Glory, Exact Representation of His Being

November 21, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

The Book of Hebrews emphasizes the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ. This focus is especially important for us today as cultic errors about Christ proliferate, Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. www.ACFAR.org

JESUS: Radiance of God’s glory, exact representation of His being

November 21, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

The Book of Hebrews emphasizes the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ. This focus is especially important for us today as cultic errors about Christ proliferate, Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. www.ACFAR.org

CULTS ON CAMPUS: Are You Prepared?

October 06, 2023 15:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Are you prepared to detect spiritual counterfeits? Cultic churches and “fellowships” are on every university campus, promising you prosperity and supernatural power. Rodgers Atwebembeire opens the Scriptures to identify key characteristics of these spiritually dangerous groups so you can resist temptation. Key passage: 2 Corinthians 11 Learn more at www.ACFAR.org

SHAKAHOLA AND BEYOND: How Can We Respond to Cults?

September 12, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

In light of the unfolding Shakahola horror, what should Christians know—and do—about cults? Rodgers Atwebembeire and Danson Ottawa of ACFAR give practical responses to urgent questions in this wide-ranging interview. (Originally broadcast on KUTV-Nairobi)

Protecting Students from Cults

August 09, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 43 MB

Across East Africa, cult recruiters are targeting students—and young people who don’t know they’re in danger are the ones most easily trapped. How can teachers, chaplains and CU patrons equip students to recognize and resist cultic groups on campus, on social media and elsewhere? ACFAR director Rodgers Atwebembeire gives solid answers to real-life questions in this special presentation to the 2023 East Africa Christian Teachers’ Conference.

Q & A: The “Five-Fold Ministry”

August 02, 2023 19:00 - 9 minutes - 6.67 MB

Have you heard of the “five-fold ministry”? Many Christians quote Ephesians 4:11 to claim that these five "offices" are active roles in the church today: prophets, apostles, evangelists, teachers and pastors. There’s no controversy about the last three, but what about apostles and prophets? Is God still calling people to fill these two roles, just as He did in New Testament times? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. For more on this topic, see also: https://www.apologeticsindex.org/f09.html

Discipleship & Discernment

August 02, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 47.6 MB

What challenges does today’s Christian face in the area of discernment? What tools does the Bible give us to rightly distinguish between truth and error, sound doctrine and heresy? Are we actually using them—or just ignoring them at our peril? Rodgers Atwebembeire answers these and other vital questions in this live presentation.

INTERVIEW: The Mystery of the Cross

July 19, 2023 13:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

Everywhere you look, the cross is the most popular symbol for Christianity. But have you ever wondered why? We know that Jesus died on the cross, but again—why? Was the Father unable to save Him from an unjust, painful death? Couldn’t He have found another way to forgive sinners without the murder of Jesus? Rodgers Atwebembeire guides us through these and other important questions.

INTERVIEW: Why Do People Join Dangerous Cults?

July 13, 2023 18:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Shakahola. Kanungu. The Bible warns that “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov. 14:12). What makes some cultic groups so appealing? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains that… • People are easily tempted by “new” teachings • People are often tempted by exclusivity and elitism • People are easily tempted by emotion and supernatural promises   And once you are captured, opportunistic cult leaders will seek to control you through a combination of alienation,...

The Powerful Witness of Faith

July 12, 2023 20:00 - 53 minutes - 18.3 MB

What motivates Christians to sacrifice their self-interest for the sake of others, and how can this transform society? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains from 2 Corinthians 5 how the gospel motivates the church—from the book of Acts all the way to the East African Revival and today. Recorded at the 2023 Theological Education Association of Southern Africa (TEASA) consultation.

We Have Been Warned, So We Must Be on Guard

March 03, 2023 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Are you prepared to recognize and resist cults and false teachers that are willing to not only deceive you, but even destroy you? The Apostle Peter warns us that the danger is real, and history proves this again and again—not only in the famous Kanungu disaster, but in cults large and small, right up till now. Rodgers Atwebembeire unpacks 2 Peter 3:17–18 and applies it to our real-life situations in this compelling interview. Originally aired on COU Family TV.

Proclaiming the True Christ of Christmas

December 08, 2022 20:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

Often we think of the New Testament—and specifically, the four gospels—when we are in the Christmas season. But did you know that the birth of the Messiah was proclaimed long before? The Old Testament is full of promises and prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. A good question to ask would be, What did the Old Testament saints think of the coming of the Messiah? What can we learn from them? Rodgers Atwebembeire brings you uplifting answers in this special message. Originally ai...

From Cults to Christ

November 28, 2022 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

ACFAR director Rodgers Atwebembeire takes us through the “Colossian challenge,” exposing dangerous deception in some of today’s best-known cultic groups. Originally presented at the 2022 Apologetics Kenya annual conference. www.ACFAR.org

INTERVIEW: How Can You Recognize False Teachers?

October 28, 2022 19:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

False teachers and the harm they cause are a major topic throughout the Bible. How can we most easily know and avoid them? Second Peter chapter 2 shows clearly how to identify such teachers by their destructiveness, depravity, and deception. Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. Originally aired on COU Family TV.

INTERVIEW: How Can You Recognize False Teachers?

October 28, 2022 19:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

False teachers and the harm they cause are a major topic throughout the Bible. How can we most easily know and avoid them? Second Peter chapter 2 shows clearly how to identify such teachers by their destructiveness, depravity, and deception. Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. Originally aired on COU Family TV.

INTERVIEW: What Is Salvation?

October 25, 2022 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

The New Testament says that the believer has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved. At first this may sound like it is full of contradictions. But upon further reflection, these timeless truths reveal what God has done, is doing, and will do for His saints. Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.

INTERVIEW: What Is Grace?

October 25, 2022 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

God’s grace is evident throughout the Bible—from the beginning of creation to the final verse in the very last book. What is this amazing grace, and what does it mean for us? Listen and learn!

INTERVIEW: Who Is Jesus?

October 21, 2022 14:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is preeminent—in His person, His power, His position, and His passion. If this is true, what are the implications for your life? Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR answers this question and many more in this challenging and encouraging interview. https://acfar.org

What Is Discernment?

August 02, 2022 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.62 MB

In an era of great deception, every Christian needs to be armed with biblical discernment. A good place to start is by defining what discernment is, as Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.  TIMESTAMPS: TOPICS COVERED  1:05 - Robert Bowman's definition 1:45 - Tim Challies' definition 2:43 -  Charles Spurgeon's definition 3:27 - The Bible on discernment 3:56 - Jesus on discernment 4:18 - Paul's call to the Ephesian elders 4:52 - False teachers are not obvious www.ACFAR.org Reposted by kind...

Beware—False Teachers Are Seldom Obvious

July 18, 2022 20:00 - 7 minutes - 4.99 MB

“…we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming…” (Ephesians 4:14) According to Scripture, false teachers typically operate with cunning and guile. Rodgers Atwebembeire highlights “red flags” that all Christians need to be aware of: 0:23 – A question often asked 0:42 – Misconceptions about false teachers 1:06 – Key truths about false teachers 1:29 – The Bible helps ...

INTERVIEW: Recognizing and Resisting False Teachers

July 05, 2022 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MB

Dangerous false teaching is infiltrating the Body of Christ today through radio, TV, social media, and more. How does Scripture equip believers to recognize and resist deceptive doctrine and those who promote it? Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR answers these questions and many others in this wide-ranging interview. https://acfar.org

INTERVIEW: African Traditional Religion and Christianity

July 05, 2022 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

ACFAR director Rodgers Atwebembeire and Mukadde Ayigga Misuseera discuss controversies surrounding syncretism, Christianity, and African traditional religion on Family TV (Uganda).

INTERVIEW: Recognizing and Resisting False Prophets

July 05, 2022 14:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

What is behind the plague of false prophets dividing the church today? How does Scripture equip believers to recognize and resist counterfeit messengers from God? Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR explores these questions and many more in this wide-ranging interview. https://acfar.org

INTERVIEW: Knowing the Traits of Cults

June 27, 2022 19:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

What patterns in cultic groups can help you identify them easily? How can we respond to those who claim to be Christians, yet twist the Bible to deceive others? In this recent interview on Family TV Uganda, Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR explains how we can recover our focus on the sufficiency of Scripture and the centrality of Christ—and fulfill the Great Commission’s call to discipleship by equipping believers for discernment. https://acfar.org/

INTERVIEW: Answering Cults in Malawi

June 27, 2022 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

In this fast-paced, wide-ranging conversation—in English and Chichewa—Kennedy Gondwe and Tim Martin of CFAR discuss the real and growing threat of cultic groups in Malawi and offer solutions based in God’s unchanging Word. Originally broadcast via Blantyre Synod Radio.

INTERVIEW: Answering Cults in East Africa

June 27, 2022 15:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

In this recent interview on Family TV Uganda, Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR tackles tough questions about the challenge of cults facing every believer. How do cultic groups recruit? How can every believer learn to discern between truth and error by knowing Scripture and recognizing common forms of deception? Learn how to protect yourself and others in this fast-paced discussion!

INTERVIEW: Answering Cults in Southern Africa

June 27, 2022 14:00 - 55 minutes - 19.2 MB

In this recent radio interview, Kennedy Gondwe of CFAR Southern Africa and Tim Martin of CFAR USA answer important questions about our crisis of discernment and the challenge of cultic groups today. What does Scripture tell us about identifying, understanding, and answering false teachers and their followers? Listen for answers! Recording courtesy of Faith Radio 92.1 FM (Kitwe, Zambia).

Women, Discernment, and Defending the Faith

June 24, 2022 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

The undiscerning Christian woman is in constant danger from false apostles, false prophets, fake pastors, and “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). But God’s unchanging Word gives us everything we need to recognize and respond to harmful error, as  Project Priscilla coordinator Sarah Walusimbi explains in this powerful message. www.ACFAR.org

Does the Bible Address False Teaching?

June 24, 2022 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.52 MB

Every book of the New Testament, with the exception of Philemon, warns believers of false and false teachings. Indeed, the battle between truth and error has been raging ever since Genesis 3. How can you be prepared? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains from Scripture. www.ACFAR.org Reposted by kind permission of The Gospel Coalition—Africa.

Is False Teaching Even Worth Talking About?

June 24, 2022 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.09 MB

False teaching is ravaging the church in Africa—affecting not only eternal destinies, but with dangerous consequences here and now. Thankfully, Scripture both warns and equips us for this threat, as Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. www.ACFAR.org Reposted by kind permission of The Gospel Coalition—Africa.

How Do I Identify a False Teacher?

June 24, 2022 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.7 MB

The greatest danger with false teachers is that they are “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Mt. 7:15). How does Scripture help us to identify them? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains. www.ACFAR.org Reposted by kind permission of The Gospel Coalition—Africa.

ENCORE: Engaging Atheists and Skeptics

December 18, 2021 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Many will claim that biblical faith conflicts with reason and science. But is this true? Vincent Kajuma of ACFAR Kenya offers valuable insights and practical advice on reaching out to atheists and skeptics with the coherent worldview and eternal hope that Christ alone can offer. Merry Christmas!

CHURCH UNDER FIRE: Will We Be Faithful to the End?

December 11, 2021 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

The book of Revelation can be confusing and intimidating. In this encouraging message Rodgers Atwebembeire highlights the most important aspect of chapter 2—the preeminence of Jesus Christ. 

ADVENTISM: What You Need to Know

December 04, 2021 22:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Is Seventh-day Adventism compatible with “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), or is it a subtle counterfeit belief system promoting a false prophet and a false gospel? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.

The “Prosperity Gospel” and Psalm 130

November 26, 2021 22:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

The “Prosperity Gospel” (Word-Faith) movement promotes a distorted view of man's authority, identity, health and wealth.  But the prayer in Psalm 130 shows us the right way to rely on God for every need, as Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.

YOU Can Witness to Cultists!

November 20, 2021 22:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MB

It can be intimidating to share the Gospel with a cult member! How do you begin? Rodgers Atwebembeire gives us three important things to keep in mind: 1) Know basic Bible teachings (and be able to explain them) 2) Pray for the one you’re evangelizing 3) Emphasize the role of God’s grace in salvation

* Contending for the Faith (Jude 3–4)

November 13, 2021 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

The urgency of contending for the faith was paramount to Jude in his letter to the saints.  What does this mean and who should be contending? Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.

Why Is Apologetics Essential? (Jude 3–4)

November 13, 2021 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

The urgency of contending for the faith was paramount to Jude in his letter to the saints.  What does this mean for us? The answer may surprise you, as Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.

FROM ATHEISM TO FAITH: How Apologetics Changed My Life

November 06, 2021 01:00 - 6 minutes - 4.64 MB

Former atheist Eliud Gachunji tells Vincent Kajuma of ACFAR Kenya how God used apologetics to convince him that He exists. 

How Apologetics Changed My Life

November 06, 2021 01:00 - 6 minutes - 4.64 MB

Former atheist Eliud Gachunji tells Vincent Kajuma of ACFAR Kenya how God used apologetics to convince him that He exists. 

Is Apologetics Just for “Smart People”…or for All Christians?

October 30, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.81 MB

Apologetics is the defense of the faith. Do you have to be a scholar to understand and use apologetics? Actually, all Christians are called—and commanded—to defend “the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3–4). And this is very good news, as Vincent Kajuma explains.

What’s Wrong With the Prosperity Gospel? (Part 2)

October 23, 2021 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

Does God promise to bless you with money? Is it God’s will for you to be rich? Lots of pastors and self-proclaimed prophets today say “Yes!” But there are many reasons why every Christian should beware of this too-good-to-be-true “gospel of prosperity.” In this two-part series Rodgers Atwebembeire gives you four that you should take very seriously—including the popular “seed faith” error. Also see… A Statement on Prosperity Teaching (Lausanne)

What’s Wrong With the Prosperity Gospel? (Part 1)

October 13, 2021 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

Does God promise to bless you with money? Is it God’s will for you to be rich? Lots of pastors and self-proclaimed prophets today say “Yes!” But there are many reasons why every Christian should beware of this too-good-to-be-true “gospel of prosperity.” In this two-part series Rodgers Atwebembeire gives you four that you should take very seriously. Also see… A Statement on Prosperity Teaching (Lausanne)

* Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt (Part 2)

October 08, 2021 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt (Part 2)

October 08, 2021 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

Christians can easily get frustrated with someone who is always questioning, but the Bible calls us to respond with compassion. In this episode Vincent Kajuma of ACFAR Kenya gives us eight helpful ways to approach the one who doubts.

Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt (Part 1)

October 02, 2021 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

Jude 22 commands us to “have mercy on those who doubt”. Christians can easily get frustrated with someone who is always questioning, but the Bible calls us to respond with compassion. Vincent Kajuma of ACFAR Kenya helps us understand and wisely apply God’s Word.

God’s Glory—and Your Salvation

September 24, 2021 21:00 - 9 minutes - 3.14 MB

Many people are asking: “Will Ravi Zacharias be saved in the end?” Such questions naturally haunt us in our own private encounters with sin: How will this affect my eternal fate? Does this sin endanger my salvation? But by focusing on these kinds of questions we skew biblical priorities. Vincent Kajuma of ACFAR Kenya explains. Used by kind permission of The Gospel Coalition Africa.